Received an anti-Obama email from Rethug friend last night. Here it is (w/ my reply)

Fly by night

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Tue Jun-03-08 09:00 AM
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Received an anti-Obama email from Rethug friend last night. Here it is (w/ my reply)

Last night, I received an email from a good friend who just happens to be Republican. The content of her email did not come from her, but appears to be a talking points memo generated (no doubt) by the "culture of deception".

Since I expect this email is moving rapidly among the Rethug world (at least those whose caves have internet), I thought you folks would appreciate reading it and my reply (which I sent to several media outlets here in middle Tennessee and elsewhere). Hope this is useful to any of you who will also receive this email from your politically delusional friends.
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My friend's email:

*/Subject:/* Obama Phenom...interesting

PLEASE PRAY BEFORE YOU VOTE

Some of you will recognize the name of Bill Brown. He is a highly respected retired member of the Billy Graham team. And I am blessed to count him as a friend whom I've known a long time. (His wife is the British actress who was in one of the Billy Graham films. She is also an author.) So I take his assessment of Obama very seriously and for that reason accept his challenge to pass this on. I share his concern about the "rock star" image Obama has and watch with growing concern at the celebrity status the media has foisted upon him. I hope this email informs you in a wise way.
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We are witnessing a political phenomenon with Barack Obama of rare magnitude. His speeches have inspired millions and yet most of his followers have no idea of what he stands for except platitudes of "Change" or that he says he will be a "Uniter." The power of speech from a charismatic person truly can be a powerful thing. Certainly Billy Graham had charisma and both his manner of speech and particularly the content changed millions. On the extreme other hand, the charisma of Adolph Hitler inspired millions and the results were catastrophic. Barack Obama certainly is no Hitler or a Billy Graham, but for many Americans out there feeling just like a surfer who might be ecstatic and euphoric while riding a tidal wave, the real story is what happens when it hits shore.

Just Some of What Defines Barack Obama:

* He voted against banning partial birth abortion.
* He voted no on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions.
* Supports affirmative action in Colleges and Government.
* In 2001 he questioned harsh penalties for drug dealing.
* Says he will deal with street level drug dealing as minimum wage affair.
* Admitted marijuana and cocaine use in high school and in college.
* His religious convictions are very murky.
* He is willing to meet with Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez, Kim Jung Il and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
* Has said that one of his first goals after being elected would be to have a conference with all Muslim nations.
* Opposed the Patriot Act.
* First bill he signed that was passed was campaign finance reform.
* Voted No on prohibiting law suits against gun manufacturers.
* Supports universal health-care.
* Voted yes on providing habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees.
* Supports granting driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.
* Supports extending welfare to illegal immigrants.
* Voted yes on comprehensive immigration reform.
* Voted yes on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security.
* Wants to make the minimum wage a "living wage".
* Voted with Democratic Party 96 percent of 251 votes.
* Is a big believer in the separation of church and state.
* Opposed to any efforts to Privatize Social Security and instead supports increasing the amount of tax paid.
* He voted No on repealing the Alternative Minimum Tax.
* He voted No on repealing the "Death" Tax.
* He wants to raise the Capital Gains Tax.
* Has repeatedly said the surge in Iraq has not succeeded.
* He is ranked as the most liberal Senator in the Senate today and that takes some doing.

If your political choices are consistent with Barack Obama's and you think that his positions will bring America together or make it a better place, then you will probably enjoy the ride and not forward this Email.

If you are like most Americans who, after examining what he stands for, are truly not in line with his record, it would be prudent to get off the wave or better yet, never get on, before it comes on shore and undermines the very foundations of this great Country. We have limited time to save America or the Supreme Court as we know it. Inaction is action.

If you agree this is important, pass it on. The mainstream media will not do it for you

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My response:

(Friend),

Thanks for sending this mass email to me. Like most Americans (over 70%), I believe that the last eight years under a (twice) unelected (p)Resident have witnessed the worst leadership and priorities this country has ever had to withstand. Like most Americans, I agree with the majority of positions that Obama has taken (thanks for the list as a reminder of that). Like most Americans, I can see the substance behind the style, the grace that comes from intelligence and commitment to common ideals. (Just imagine. An intelligent President. What a refreshing change that will be.)

Like most Americans, I respect a man who actually rises up out of the uncertainty and sadness of being raised by a single parent to achieve great heights. Like most Americans, I detest someone born to privilege who believes (somehow) that he deserves whatever comes his way. Ignorance and arrogance are an ugly combination. There's a reason they call it Bush-league.

So thanks for this note this evening. I will send it out to the folks on my email list to let them know. Like most people, I am sure they are praying that this long national nightmare will soon be behind us. Not even the Devil would wish a third Bush term on America and the world.

Hope to see you soon. FBN

PS: I used to like John McCain. But it's obvious that, in order to appeal to what's left of the Republican party, he is abandoning many positions he had held all his life. You may know that, shortly after Bush was first (s)elected, McCain thought about abandoning the Republican party and serving as an Independent, caucusing with the Democrats. If he had done that, I would respect him more (and he would probably respect himself more also.) Good evening, good friend.